Global Biscuits Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2024-2032)

Biscuits Market Trends

Hybrid snack products, blending biscuits with energy bars and savoury flavours, cater to adventurous consumers.

The introduction of hybrid snack products is a mainstream and niche trend in the biscuits industry as they involve mixing biscuits with other food categories to create some unique offerings. The biscuit-infused energy bar is a blend of biscuits with other food categories and boasts a crunchy biscuit with added nutritional benefits. Savoury flavours are also infused into sweet biscuits, as in the case of rosemary and sea salt cookies, propelling the trends in the biscuits market globally. This trend caters to adventurous consumers seeking novel taste experiences and aligns with the growing demand for multifunctional snacks that can fulfil both indulgent treat and healthier option descriptions.

Industry News

August 2024

Bühler India unveiled two products that would enable biscuit makers to provide consumers with diverse products since demand is rising in this area. The DirectBake Smart is a Direct Gas Fired DGF oven belonging to the SmartLine series, capable of producing a wide range of products with effortless adaptation to different kinds of baking requirements. The RotaMold Smart is a rotary moulder offering a wide array of shapes and intricate designs.

October 2023

Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) collaborated with Microsoft to help drive business outcomes through Azure. It is through this collaboration that the company now receives real-time data for better pricing, improves in manufacturing through 'Smart Factories,' and builds on the strength of its IT team, which makes it competitive in the marketplace.

Historical Market Analysis

The biscuits market witnessed the emergence of rising raw material cost, health consciousness, and alternate snacks posing serious competition five years ago. Companies came up with efficient supply chain management to control price hikes and looked for alternative sourcing strategies, thereby affecting the biscuits demand globally. Many brands repositioned their product lines because of health trends and low sugar and fats with the addition of whole grains and natural contents. Companies also repositioned biscuits according to their health benefits and convenience aspects, effectively marketing them as healthier snack alternatives. This strategy has allowed firms to maintain relevance and market share with as consumer preferences were different in such a fast-changing marketplace.

Opportunities in the Biscuits Market

Sustainable, ethically sourced ingredients offer brands a competitive edge and foster long-term consumer loyalty.

Rising demand for sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients is a key biscuits market opportunity for the market players to capitalise on. Growing consumer environmental awareness bodes well for brands prioritising transparency and sustainability and threatens to leave behind less transparent competitors. Organic, non-GMO, and fair-trade ingredients would help companies win greater market shares for a growing eco-conscious customer base. To this, 'green' packaging solutions lay down an environmentally responsive branding image to reach those customers who perceive being environmentally responsible as a valuable attribute. Again, it helps not only develop loyalty but also enables brands to maintain advantageous positions in an increasingly ethic-defined marketplace.

Market Dynamics

3D printing technology enables customised biscuit designs, enhancing consumer engagement and production efficiency.

One of the significant biscuits market dynamics and trends is the technology of 3D printing, which provides the facility to print unique biscuit shapes and designs. This gives manufacturers the ability to form unique, intricate designs owing to consumer preference and occasions for the special day. Brands can offer customized biscuits in association with events or corporate gifting that increases consumer involvement. Another major advantage of the application of 3D printing in biscuit manufacture is that the level of waste is reduced significantly, along with the optimized usage of ingredients entering the bakeable product. This technology is going to take biscuit design and marketing to a new level.

Growth Drivers

The demand for artisanal and gourmet biscuits is driving growth through unique flavours and quality.

In the biscuit industry, the trend toward artisanal and gourmet products is a major development driver. There is a growing trend among consumers to seek for premium ingredients and distinctive flavours in their homemade biscuits. Brands such as Mast Brothers and Milk Bar, for instance, have become well-known because of their creative use of flavour combinations and focus on handcrafted production techniques. Augmenting biscuits demand growth. This specialised market serves discriminating customers who appreciate fine craftsmanship and unique flavour experiences. Growth in this market is being driven by the increasing demand for gourmet biscuits as people choose more daring snacks.

Market Restraints

Health trends, alternative snacks, supply chain issues, and regulatory changes can hinder biscuit demand.

Several factors might hamper the growing demand for biscuits across the world and pose challenges for the big players in the industry. A higher health focus among consumers is compelling them to purchase healthier snacks. Consequently, the sales of biscuits with added sugars is going down. In their place, protein bars and fruit chips are attracting more attention. Disturbances in supply chains due to fluctuating wheat and sugar prices can have an impact on the production cost. Changes in regulatory policies on labelling and health claims increase the complexity of marketing strategies. The low-carb and keto diets also tend to push demand away from traditional biscuits, forcing manufacturers to reformulate their products.

Biscuits Industry Segmentation

“Biscuits Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

By product type, the market is divided into:

• Crackers and Savory Biscuits
• Sweet Biscuits

The major ingredient of biscuits are:

• Wheat
• Oats
• Millets
• Others

Based on packaging type, the market can be segmented into:

• Pouches/Packets
• Jars
• Boxes
• Others

Based on distribution channel, the market can be divided into:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Independent Bakery
• Online Stores
• Others

Based on region, the market can be segregated into:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

By Product Type Analysis

Crackers attract health-conscious consumers, while sweet biscuits thrive on innovative flavors and premium offerings.

Crackers and savoury biscuits are increasingly becoming popular in the global market because of the factor that is attracting healthy snacking needs and also its versatility in dipping and cheese usage. Higher fibre and whole grain products appeal to health-oriented consumers who make choices.

As per biscuits market analysis, sweet biscuits, however, can command attention through new flavours and rich formulations. The rising e-commerce has provided gourmet and artisanal sweet biscuits, which consumers appreciate and demand to provide a different premium treatment. Both segments are benefiting from the shift in consumer preference towards convenience and quality in snacking choices.

Market Analysis By Ingredients

Wheat, oats, millets, and seeds enhance nutrition and flavour, catering to evolving consumer preferences.

Global biscuits market players are including multiple ingredients to meet the changing demands of consumers. Wheat remains the primary ingredient for traditional biscuits; it adds texture and structure. Oats are increasingly being added for their health advantages, especially with Nature Valley offering oat-based biscuits containing fibre.  As per biscuits industry analysis, millets are also becoming popular because of their nutrient value and being gluten-free; companies are looking to expand options based on millets as more health-conscious consumers are looking at these products. Besides wheat, some new biscuit products have included seeds, nuts, and other flours as an introduction of fresh flavors and increased nutritional value.

Packaging Type Insights

Pouches offer convenience, jars enhance presentation, boxes cater to gifting, and eco-friendly options rise.

In the biscuits market, pouches/packets are increasingly preferred due to their convenience and ease of carrying by on-the-go consumers. For instance, BelVita uses resealable packaging to ensure freshness, in addition to snacking flexibility. Jars are trendy for premium or artisanal biscuits as they provide an aesthetic presentation along with reusability, improving brand loyalty. Boxes cater to the occasion of gifting and family-sized portions, and therefore, present very attractive opportunities for celebrations, thereby bolstering the biscuits industry revenues. Others include eco-friendly packaging, which is on the rise due to the belief that consumers prioritise sustainability and, through this, pushes brands to innovate more in their packaging strategies.

Distribution Channel Analysis

Supermarkets, convenience stores, bakeries, online platforms, and others enhance biscuits' accessibility and consumer demand.

Different distribution channels increase demand in the biscuits market. Supermarkets and hypermarkets carry a wide variety that attracts convenience-seeking buyers. Convenience stores cater to on-the-go consumers and make biscuits available for fast, walk-in purchases. Independent bakeries offer artisanal and unique biscuits appealing to specialty product buyers, bolstering the global biscuits market growth. The rise of online stores revolutionised the way a consumer shops, making it easy to have access to a large variety of brands and flavours. Others further add to this availability with vending machines and food service channels, thus fueling overall market growth.

Biscuits Market Regional Insights

North America Biscuits Market Opportunities

A significant opportunity that exists in the North America biscuits market, particularly within the United States, is the emergence of plant-based and gluten-free biscuits. The need for a healthier lifestyle and dietary preference from consumers has opened doors to innovation among brands that will give room to product adaptation for such trends. For example, companies like KIND created gluten-free biscuits that contained wholesome ingredients such as nuts and seeds, and they proved suitable for health-conscious consumers. This helps create new consumer groups as it aligns to clean labelling and more sustainability-based sourcing position, and brands are well placed in this more competitive market.

Europe Biscuits Market Dynamics

In the Europe biscuits market, a key dynamic is the rising demand for premium and artisanal products. Consumers increasingly are ready to pay a premium for high-quality biscuits that carry out natural ingredients and unique flavours. For example, in Belgium, the brand Côte d'Or is offering chocolate-coated biscuits whose message of rich quality and indulgence is owed to the craftsmanship put into the production. This trend underlines growing appreciation for authentic luxury snack options; hence, companies realize their need to invest in the quality and distinctive offerings that separate the focus of discerning consumers from these ongoing competitions.

Asia Pacific Biscuits Market Trends

In the Asia Pacific biscuits market, demand is steadily rising and has already gained a key position in countries like India where it is being consumed with tea or milk. This cultural habit stems from the convenience and versatility of biscuits as a quick snack. Since they are often associated with comfort and social occasions, biscuits are a household staple. Furthermore, the range of tastes and varieties—from savoury to sweet—satisfies a variety of palates. Companies are taking advantage of this tendency by launching creative alternatives that go well with classic drinks, guaranteeing that biscuits will always be a family favourite snack.

Latin America Biscuits Market Insights

One of the interesting trends observed in the Latin America biscuits industry includes the fast-growing demand for flavours inspired by local culture. Consumers not only desire biscuits but also products that symbolise their cultural heritage at regional taste levels. For example, Bauducco, an industry leader in Brazil, found a way to enter the market and manufacture biscuits with local flavoured traditional versions such as dulce de leche and guava. This approach appeals simply to the preferences of the locality but at the same time creates a nostalgic sense that goes a very long way in propelling brand loyalty. Cultural ties from which brands draw on can be used effectively to engage consumers and differentiate them in a competitive market.

Middle East and Africa Biscuits Market Drivers

The demand for convenient and on-the-go snacks is in strong demand from brands to create innovative packaging and flavours. Single-serve packs and resealable bags are popular kinds they are focussing on the Middle East and Africa biscuits market. It is also shifting toward health-conscious consumers who want functional biscuits with natural ingredients and nutritional benefits. Protein-enriched biscuits containing oats and seeds, or other health-packed biscuits, are gaining popularity as people look for nutritious snacks that will live up to their active lifestyles.

Market Overview of Innovative Biscuits Startups

Innovative and unique selling propositions, such as artisanal quality or organic ingredients and new and innovative flavours, are what startups at entry in the global biscuits ecosystem are using to differentiate themselves. Biscuits startups often have niche markets that they are focusing on, such as health-conscious consumers and specialty diets. So most of them focus on building very strong brand identities through social media marketing and storytelling. On other fronts, many are moving towards sustainable practice and eco-friendly packaging in pursuit of committed environmentally conscious customers and broader reach and distribution via e-commerce platforms.

Baked by Melissa: Since 2008 and originating in New York City, the brand is known for its mini cupcakes and now forays into the biscuit market with fresh flavours. This brand focuses on sweet flavours, perhaps indulgent, appealing to the young, hip crowds, while emphasising high-quality ingredients and colourful designs.

Naked Cookies Naked Cookies was founded in 2019 and based in London. The company manufactures several healthier biscuits from natural ingredients. This startup focuses on health-conscious customers who are looking for healthy yet delicious snacks. High commitments to transparency and sustainability resonate with modern shoppers. Naked Cookies should be able to gain strong ground in the highly competitive biscuit market.

Competitive Landscape

Biscuits market players  are looking to expand margin by diversifying its portfolio and ensuring effective use of e-commerce as a direct-to-consumer sales platform. Innovation of these biscuits companies includes low sugar and gluten-free biscuits to adapt to the changing demand of consumers. Improving the convenience and environmentally friendly style of packaging, coupled with strong marketing efforts, also helps in capturing a more diverse population, enhancing market share in the highly competitive landscape.

Key Market Players

Key industry leaders in this market are:

Britannia Industries Limited is a renowned Indian food processing company that operates in the biscuit, bread, dairy, and snack categories. Founded in the year 1892 and headquartered in Kolkata, India, Britannia has established itself as one of the leading players in the Indian food sector. The company is known for its wide range of products, including biscuits, cakes, bread, rusks, dairy products, and snacks.

Nestlé S.A, a Swiss multinational corporation, is a prominent player in the global food and beverage sector. Established in 1866 and based in Vevey, Switzerland, Nestlé operates across multiple sectors, encompassing beverages, dairy products, baby food, confectionery, pet care, and healthcare nutrition.

PepsiCo Inc. is a renowned multinational food and beverage corporation headquartered in New York, the United States. Established in 1965 through the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay, PepsiCo has grown to become one of the world's leading companies in the food and beverage sector.

Other biscuits market players include Orion Corporation, Bahlsen GmbH & Co. KG, Burton’s Biscuit Company, MondelÄ“z International Inc., Parle Products Pvt. Limited, ITC Limited, Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B. de C.V., and Yildiz Holding A.S., among others.

Recent Developments

August 2024

ITC Sunfeast launched a new product called the Sunfeast Super Egg & Milk Biscuit. The recently launched product will be available across South and East India at various prices of INR 5, 10, and 30. It is also believed that the product comes under ITC's new initiative, which takes into consideration the true adoption of good eating habits.

September 2024

KitKat has unveiled the latest addition to its portfolio: KitKat Cookies and Cream biscuit bar. The newcomer to the KitKat family boasts two-tone colouring, covered with smooth cookies & cream flavoured milk chocolate and white coating. The KitKat Cookies and Cream has arrived in stores from early September, packaged in nine bars of packaging comprising 75% recycled plastic.